OSLO: Norway has decided to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in order to enhance its air force capabilities and capacity, as reported by Norwegian media on Thursday.
Norway will become the third nation to offer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Earlier this week, the Netherlands and Denmark announced to donate up to 61 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, following a visit by Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine’s President, to both countries.
The media reports do not provide the exact number of planes to be donated or the delivery date, as Ukraine remains engaged in a determined counteroffensive against Russian forces in the eastern regions.
In response to queries from AFP, a spokeswoman for Norway’s defense minister refrained from confirming or denying the media claims.
These developments coincide with a surprise visit by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day.
Currently, out of the 57 F-16s designated for sale by Norway, 32 have already been purchased by Romania, while 12 have been acquired by the US group Draken International but are yet to be delivered.
